Broken Quote by Rupi Kaur
““that is the thing about selfish people. they gamble entire beings. entire souls to please their own. one second they are holding you like the world in their lap and the next they have belittled you to a mere picture. a moment. something of the past. one second. they swallow you up and whisper they want to spend the rest of their life with you. but the moment they sense fear. they are already halfway out the door. without having the nerve to let you go with grace. as if the human heart means that little to them. and after all this. after all of the taking. the nerve. isn't it sad and funny how people have more guts these days to undress you with their fingers than they do pick up the phone and call. apologize. for the loss. and this is how you lose her. - selfish””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Selfish (Rupi Kaur collection, 2020)
The quote describes how selfish people manipulate and discard others, showing love as conditional and fleeting, and highlights the irony of their inability to apologize despite boldness in other acts.
In simple terms: Selfish people treat others as tools, love only when convenient, and avoid true accountability.
Recognize and set boundaries with those who use you.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- dating
- friendships
- family dynamics
- workplace relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify when someone’s affection is conditional?
- What steps can you take to protect your emotional well‑being?
Selfish behavior can be subtle and may be rationalized, making it hard to confront.